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Starting Center Next Year

David_Upstate : 1/22/2022 4:37 am
There is a lot of talk about the QB but I think Center is going to be hard to fill next year ... Losing Gates leaves an enormous gap


The draft seems to be deep in OT and OG ... Also it seems where the Giants pick the value will match for those positions in the first and other rounds


Options:


Draft Tyler Linderbaum

Pros: Can probably start right out of the gate

Cons: Will it be a huge reach at 7? Will he fit Scheme (seems to be a zone run type of center)?


Sign Free Agent: Brian Allen; Bradley Bozeman; Ryan Jensen; Ben Jones

Pros: Would be an instant starter; Veteran presence for OL calls

Cons: The 2 starters above are old (Jensen & Jones); Cost probably can't afford Allen;


Start Billy Price Again

No much to say here we know there are no Pros to this only Cons


Move Lemieux to C

Pros: Already on roster

Cons: Never played the position; Coming off a knee injury


Thoughts? Other ideas to fill this huge void next year
Don't sleep on Pio...  
No Where Man : 1/22/2022 5:15 am : link
LOL
At 290....he will get blasted  
George from PA : 1/22/2022 6:08 am : link
He is a pure scheme fit....

The Gates move to guard pisses me off.....we at least had 2 spots covered.....at LT and C.....

Losing Gates was low point in season
I don't think next season's starting center is currently on the Giants  
Ira : 1/22/2022 6:18 am : link
roster. I have no idea whether he'll be a free agent or a draft pick.
The more I dwell on the Giants offensive line  
M.S. : 1/22/2022 6:30 am : link

the more I see 3-5 wins in 2022.

And that might be a bit too optimistic.
RE: The more I dwell on the Giants offensive line  
CGiants07 : 1/22/2022 7:21 am : link
In comment 15566181 M.S. said:
Quote:

the more I see 3-5 wins in 2022.

And that might be a bit too optimistic.


we arent winning less games than this past year
Just consider  
DavidinBMNY : 1/22/2022 7:22 am : link
Just consider That on either side of price there was not strong guard play.

I would sign price to at least back up center going into next year for vet minimum.

If they can find an upgrade gray.

With the draft I’d rather draft the two best online regardless of a specific position.
Linderbaum  
jeff57 : 1/22/2022 7:28 am : link
Would be my first choice. Then a FA. The other two are non-starters.
There is no reason why we cannot  
Joe in CT : 1/22/2022 7:31 am : link
fulfill the OC position with a FA. I am sure JS will come in and be able to figure it out.
Alec Lindstrom of Boston College might be available on day 3  
Rick in Dallas : 1/22/2022 7:32 am : link
as a possible starting center. Solid career at BC.
They could trade down from number 7 to the middle of the first round to pick Linderbaum. They need to find a trade partner who might be interested in selecting one of the QB's.
Lot of college players came back  
Lines of Scrimmage : 1/22/2022 7:37 am : link
for a extra year with the '20 pandemic season and interior OL is one of the places where the numbers will be high in the draft. I am hoping that the Giants can trade back the 1st round pick and in rounds 2-4 add 2-4 OL picks. I think the UDFA market will be pretty strong as well.

I am more interested in this new staff figuring out a long term plan to address the OL with development that using high need picks.
RE: I don't think next season's starting center is currently on the Giants  
Jimmy Googs : 1/22/2022 8:00 am : link
In comment 15566175 Ira said:
Quote:
roster. I have no idea whether he'll be a free agent or a draft pick.


Ira has it right...
Is Linderbaum projected to pack on additional lbs for  
NYRiese : 1/22/2022 8:07 am : link
the pro game?

Could he add on another 20 lbs and still retain whatever quickness he has?
From afar, I’m not sure Gates will ever play again.  
Big Blue '56 : 1/22/2022 8:11 am : link
Of course, I said the same about Seubert
Would have changed up the Draft last year and  
Jimmy Googs : 1/22/2022 8:18 am : link
using middle and late round picks put a Center, RB and TE on this roster.

Obviously not all expected to be hits but those positions are dire right now on this roster for 2022...
Another solid FA option is  
Jay on the Island : 1/22/2022 8:19 am : link
Ted Karras.
RE: At 290....he will get blasted  
robbieballs2003 : 1/22/2022 8:29 am : link
In comment 15566173 George from PA said:
Quote:
He is a pure scheme fit....

The Gates move to guard pisses me off.....we at least had 2 spots covered.....at LT and C.....

Losing Gates was low point in season


Agreed. I didn't agree at the time and hated it after. That one move changed everything. The C missed his block so bad and caused Gates' injury. And Gates didn't look good at G switching at that point in the season. It made no fuckin sense.
This  
DG_89 : 1/22/2022 8:33 am : link
is 2014 all over again. We needed a center, the pickings were slim and the guy the experts consider the best is undersized. I know many are banging the drum for Linderbaum but I seriously get Richburg vibes from this kid. If he becomes a Giant he'll get my support like any FA or draft pick and i hope he proves me wrong.

I've said in other OL threads and I'll say it here. I'm hoping for a vet center and then draft our OGs. Use a late pick or take an flyer on an UDFA to groom behind the vet. I even wouldn't be opposed to bringing back Harrison if his knee injury isn't that bad
Price might be a better guard  
Rjanyg : 1/22/2022 8:36 am : link
He didn’t impress and if you think of the dysfunction with the O Line as a whole, the line calls were horrific.

Drafting a Center seems to be important but a vet should be added if Gates cannot make it back.

Lindstrom in round 4 might be a solid addition.
RE: I don't think next season's starting center is currently on the Giants  
Pepe LePugh : 1/22/2022 8:46 am : link
In comment 15566175 Ira said:
Quote:
roster. I have no idea whether he'll be a free agent or a draft pick.

Yeah, because the only C currently under contract is Gates. Price and Skura are FA. As of the end of the season, there were six OL under contract for 2022, and three of them on IR. Murphy is RFA, also spent the year on IR.
Skura and Price could both have played center. My understanding was  
Ivan15 : 1/22/2022 9:29 am : link
That Skura was moved to guard because he was a better guard than Price and the Giants needed a starter at both positions. I think Skura only played center for the one game when Price was out. How did he do?
RE: Skura and Price could both have played center. My understanding was  
Pepe LePugh : 1/22/2022 9:37 am : link
In comment 15566330 Ivan15 said:
Quote:
That Skura was moved to guard because he was a better guard than Price and the Giants needed a starter at both positions. I think Skura only played center for the one game when Price was out. How did he do?

Actually my point was that neither Price nor Skura is under contract, so you can’t assume they will be back. But to your point, I seem to remember that some felt Skura was an improvement at C.
Not that Giants are swimming in cap space but there  
Jimmy Googs : 1/22/2022 9:49 am : link
will be a handful of decent veteran Centers that will be free agents this year. Obviously some will re-sign with their current teams but some will shake loose.

Still really believe that the Giants need to use draft investment on Center, which they typically ignore doing. Hopefully Schoen brings a new day into that incompetent front office.

btw - some of the FA Centers will be playing this weekend if you want to get a jump start on your BBI scouting. See link...

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/all/center/all/
Remember when we laughed at Jerrah for drafting Frederick  
GiantBlue : 1/22/2022 9:53 am : link
in the first round; granted it was late in the first round.

He responded by saying that you can't pass on great players at any position.

He was right. Travis Frederick was arguably the best center in the game when he was in his prime.

Do we take the same position or are there other centers in later rounds that fit this offensive scheme/future better?

This is where the fun begins. Finding those guys.
They only have one starting caliber  
Since1965 : 1/22/2022 10:19 am : link
player on their offensive line. I'm not including Gates in the equation, because of the uncertainty of his status. Lemieux has been a terrible pass blocker - backup depth only. The entire team gets dragged down from the offensive line failure.
I think they should sign a veteran center in FA (as BUF did w Morse)  
Eric on Li : 1/22/2022 10:27 am : link
it's too important of a position to go through an open competition or hope a rookie making an adjustment to the NFL is ready for mentally. If there were 2 settled guards around the rookie that would be 1 thing but presently there just aren't.

the top FA option is Ryan Jensen and he's projected to get a modest 3 years 10m AAV. He's 30 years old, won a SB in TB, and started every game since 2017. He plays an aggressive and nasty game. That's the type of guy they need to add to the room - even if he's only a bridge for a year or two. Let Bredeson, Lemiuex, Gates, lower cost UFA, and some non-first round rookies compete at the guard/backup C spots. And ideally draft someone in the top 10 to play RT.
I would like to trade back 1 pick  
Matt M. : 1/22/2022 10:34 am : link
and hopefully still be able to draft Linderbaum wherever we land. I think he is NFL ready and we are not likely to find a better C in the draft or FA, especially if we still have a lot of the same scouting and personnel this year.
RE: RE: The more I dwell on the Giants offensive line  
BleedBlue : 1/22/2022 10:38 am : link
In comment 15566195 CGiants07 said:
Quote:
In comment 15566181 M.S. said:


Quote:



the more I see 3-5 wins in 2022.

And that might be a bit too optimistic.



we arent winning less games than this past year


Yea dumb take. Just based on health alone we sbould win as many if not more games. You add in another draft class including 2 high picks plus a coach who isnt a conservative putz we should be inproved
RE: I think they should sign a veteran center in FA (as BUF did w Morse)  
Festina Lente : 1/22/2022 10:41 am : link
In comment 15566471 Eric on Li said:
Quote:
it's too important of a position to go through an open competition or hope a rookie making an adjustment to the NFL is ready for mentally. If there were 2 settled guards around the rookie that would be 1 thing but presently there just aren't.

the top FA option is Ryan Jensen and he's projected to get a modest 3 years 10m AAV. He's 30 years old, won a SB in TB, and started every game since 2017. He plays an aggressive and nasty game. That's the type of guy they need to add to the room - even if he's only a bridge for a year or two. Let Bredeson, Lemiuex, Gates, lower cost UFA, and some non-first round rookies compete at the guard/backup C spots. And ideally draft someone in the top 10 to play RT.


I think they will resign Jensen. Ron loves him and he is awesome. If they could get him here that would be a MASSIVE coup
If the OL is truly the keystone of the rebuild  
KeoweeFan : 1/22/2022 10:41 am : link
should they not consider trading a "star" at another position to lay the proper foundation?
RE: RE: I think they should sign a veteran center in FA (as BUF did w Morse)  
Eric on Li : 1/22/2022 10:50 am : link
In comment 15566525 Festina Lente said:
Quote:
In comment 15566471 Eric on Li said:


Quote:


it's too important of a position to go through an open competition or hope a rookie making an adjustment to the NFL is ready for mentally. If there were 2 settled guards around the rookie that would be 1 thing but presently there just aren't.

the top FA option is Ryan Jensen and he's projected to get a modest 3 years 10m AAV. He's 30 years old, won a SB in TB, and started every game since 2017. He plays an aggressive and nasty game. That's the type of guy they need to add to the room - even if he's only a bridge for a year or two. Let Bredeson, Lemiuex, Gates, lower cost UFA, and some non-first round rookies compete at the guard/backup C spots. And ideally draft someone in the top 10 to play RT.



I think they will resign Jensen. Ron loves him and he is awesome. If they could get him here that would be a MASSIVE coup


probably but financially i'd guess it's even tougher for tampa to pull off than nyg. Bucs have very little effective cap space because they only have 35 players under contract right now and among them some big mouths to feed (Godwin, Gronk, entire DL other than Vea including JPP, Suh, Gholston, entire RB room including Fournette).
RE: RE: RE: The more I dwell on the Giants offensive line  
Pepe LePugh : 1/22/2022 11:03 am : link
In comment 15566517 BleedBlue said:
Quote:
In comment 15566195 CGiants07 said:


Quote:


the more I see 3-5 wins in 2022.

And that might be a bit too optimistic.


we arent winning less games than this past year


Yea dumb take. Just based on health alone we sbould win as many if not more games. You add in another draft class including 2 high picks plus a coach who isnt a conservative putz we should be inproved


Why do you assume better health next year? Last year was frustrating, but not different from the past decade. And yes, we have some high picks in the draft. Hopefully they can step in as rookies to make up for the loss of Engram, Peppers, Hernandez,Carter, Austin Johnson, and the rest of our UFAs that will likely be gone.
RE: The more I dwell on the Giants offensive line  
81_Great_Dane : 1/22/2022 11:13 am : link
In comment 15566181 M.S. said:
Quote:

the more I see 3-5 wins in 2022.

And that might be a bit too optimistic.
I expect no more than 4. I’d be happy to be wrong, but even if I am right, I’d be ok with a rebuilding year if they are actually, you know, rebuilding.
The operative phrase is  
VinegarPeppers : 1/22/2022 12:55 pm : link
The operative phrase is “Plug and play”. And we need four of them. Another reason why any idea that includes trading our two number one picks for a 34-year-old quarterback or one who could go to jail or be suspended makes me sick.
RE: RE: Skura and Price could both have played center. My understanding was  
VinegarPeppers : 1/22/2022 12:57 pm : link

Who the hell would want them back? You’re looking at third stringers. These are terrible OL.



In comment 15566345 Pepe LePugh said:
Quote:
In comment 15566330 Ivan15 said:


Quote:


That Skura was moved to guard because he was a better guard than Price and the Giants needed a starter at both positions. I think Skura only played center for the one game when Price was out. How did he do?


Actually my point was that neither Price nor Skura is under contract, so you can’t assume they will be back. But to your point, I seem to remember that some felt Skura was an improvement at C.
I've been saying for a month  
Snablats : 1/22/2022 1:03 pm : link
to sign a FA center instead of taking Linderbaum
They'll find one  
JonC : 1/22/2022 1:04 pm : link
and it won't be in draft top 10.
RE: RE: RE: Skura and Price could both have played center. My understanding was  
Pepe LePugh : 1/22/2022 1:41 pm : link
In comment 15566844 VinegarPeppers said:
[quote]
Who the hell would want them back? You’re looking at third stringers. These are terrible OL.

Ideally yes. Right now you have no first OR second stringer. You’ve already signed Jake Fromm to be a camp body. Doesn’t mean you’re counting on him to start next year. Need a center, at least until you have someone to beat him out. If either Price or Skura will take vet minimum, I’d sign him today, and work on upgrade in draft or FA.
RE: I think they should sign a veteran center in FA (as BUF did w Morse)  
Jay on the Island : 1/22/2022 9:04 pm : link
In comment 15566471 Eric on Li said:
Quote:
it's too important of a position to go through an open competition or hope a rookie making an adjustment to the NFL is ready for mentally. If there were 2 settled guards around the rookie that would be 1 thing but presently there just aren't.

the top FA option is Ryan Jensen and he's projected to get a modest 3 years 10m AAV. He's 30 years old, won a SB in TB, and started every game since 2017. He plays an aggressive and nasty game. That's the type of guy they need to add to the room - even if he's only a bridge for a year or two. Let Bredeson, Lemiuex, Gates, lower cost UFA, and some non-first round rookies compete at the guard/backup C spots. And ideally draft someone in the top 10 to play RT.

Once again I agree with you. I don't know if the Bucs will let Jensen go but if they do the Giants should aggressively pursue him.

Since it's unlikely that they can land Jensen they should look to other options like Ted Karras, Bradley Bozeman, Brian Allen, James Daniels, Ben Jones, or Mason Cole. They should also sign Bills OL Ryan Bates who broke out this season for the Bills and he reportedly can play all 5 positions although he is much better at guard and center. Bates could compete for both a starting guard spot and center. Even if Bates does not win a starting spot his versatility would be a huge asset for the new coaching staff.

If I had my choice and Jensen was off the table I would sign Ted Karras to a 2 year deal and Ryan Bates to a 3 year deal. Karras would enter camp as the starting center but Ryan Bates would be his primary backup while also competing for the starting RG spot.

Bates is an interesting target only issue is he's an RFA  
Eric on Li : 1/22/2022 9:38 pm : link
i think that's the same situation Gates was almost in where he would have had to be tendered and since he was a UDFA the most likely tender will be the 2nd round level (with Gates the giants did that early extension).

but if they try to save the money and tender him low i would think Schoen will pounce on that. maybe even try to get him for a pick the way the browns stole wyatt teller.
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